I’m at work on a new book and I would appreciate your help. The book’s objective is to arm consumers against dishonest marketing practices, and at the same time debunk alleged harmful practices that don’t exist, or that do but have no effect. 

Want to help? Please share examples of:

• Common tricks you’re aware of that marketers and advertisers use, and how you know about them.
• Specific advertised claims that can be disproved.
• Specific advertised claims that cannot be or have not been proved.
• Specific advertised claims that can neither be proved nor disproved.
• Specific examples of advertised claims and how they have hurt people.
• Examples of advertising that is helpful.
• Marketers that are good citizens.
• Examples of marketers doing the honorable thing.
• Abuses you’ve endured from salespeople, whether in the store, at your door, over the phone, what-have-you.

You can add your thoughts here by clicking on COMMENTS above, or click here to send me an email.

What’s in it for you? Er, um, well, how about your name in the acknowledgments … and the inner satisfaction of knowing you’re helping expose nefarious practices?

Thanks in advance.

—Steve Cuno
 


Comments

Greg S
07/26/2010 15:43

I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but here's something that bothers me about ads in my industry.

The big financial companies and banks advertise to the public as if they themselves have the answers and ARE the answer. Fidelity says all you need to do is follow their green line, and your retirement will be care-free. Recently ING wants to calculate your "number." A few years ago, Ameriprise had a campaign with the late Dennis Hopper promoting a pamphlet that would cause all your dreams to come true.

These firms produce financial products, not financial planning. The process that gives you confidence and peace of mind (planning) has to happen eyeball to eyeball with another human. Products themselves, such as mutual funds or annuities, aren't enough and in fact may create problems if you don't know what you're doing.

I feel these big companies promoting their brand and products (very few of which are innovative) under the guise of being the answer to all your financial problems is pretty misleading.

Now each of these firms I mentioned have individuals that will do good work for you, and each of them have individuals who are dishonest, incompetent, or both. It's not the firm at all, it's the person you're working with.

Thanks for reading.

Greg Sagers, M.S.F.S.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER (tm)

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